Switch Device With Detachable Operating Mechanism Shaft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic transfer switches have integrated shafts that prevent the operating mechanism from being disassembled independently, making maintenance cumbersome and costly, as power supplies must be cut off for repairs.

Innovation Solution

A switching apparatus with separate main shafts for the operating mechanism and switching component, allowing the operating mechanism to be detached while maintaining the switching state, using a locking member and elastic element to secure the first main shaft's position and facilitate secure fastening and electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an integrated main shaft is used to connect the operating mechanism to the poles, then the switching apparatus has a compact structure, but the operating mechanism cannot be disassembled independently for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact structureVSAvoidindependent disassembly of operating mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the integrated main shaft into two separate shafts: a first main shaft connected to the switching component and a second main shaft connected to the operating mechanism. These separate shafts can be independently disassembled and reassembled, allowing the operating mechanism to be maintained without affecting the switching component, thus resolving the contradiction between compact structure and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the operating mechanism is disassembled from the switching component, then maintenance can be performed, but the switching state may change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidswitching state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a locking member that locks the first main shaft in a specific rotation position corresponding to the switching state before disassembly. This preliminary locking action ensures that when the operating mechanism is disassembled and reassembled, the switching state is preserved, thus resolving the contradiction between maintenance capability and switching state stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of repair

If power supplies are cut off for maintenance, then the switching apparatus can be safely repaired, but operational disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe maintenanceVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows the operating mechanism to be separated from the switching component, enabling maintenance of the operating mechanism while the switching component remains connected and operational. This segmentation enables safe maintenance without cutting off power supplies, thus resolving the contradiction between safe maintenance and operational continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables maintenance without disrupting power supplies, reducing maintenance costs and improving maintenance efficiency by allowing the operating mechanism to be detached and reattached without altering the switching state, thus minimizing downtime and operational disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element is coupled to the locking member for driving the locking member to move from the locking position to the release position in response to a release of the operating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3683817B1Switch device
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3683817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3683817B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4B
  • EP3683817B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide a switching apparatus. The switching apparatus comprises: a switching component comprising a first main shaft, which is adapted to selectively connect and disconnect at least one circuit in response to the rotation of the first main shaft; and an operating mechanism comprising a second main shaft for actuating the first main shaft to rotate via the second main shaft; wherein the switching component further comprises a first interface, and the operating mechanism further comprises a second interface, and the second main shaft is adapted to be detachably coupled to the first main shaft in response to the engagement of the first interface and the second interface..